Chemistry (AKU-CHM)
Topic 3 of 7Aga Khan Board

Acids, Bases & Salts

pH, neutralisation reactions, and preparation of salts

Acids release H⁺ ions in water. Bases accept H⁺ ions (or release OH⁻ ions). Alkalis are soluble bases.


pH scale: 0-6 = acid, 7 = neutral, 8-14 = alkali. pH 7 = pure water.


Indicators:

  • Litmus: red in acid, blue in alkali
  • Universal indicator: full colour range, gives approximate pH
  • Phenolphthalein: colourless in acid, pink in alkali

  • Neutralisation: acid + base → salt + water

  • HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
  • H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

  • Preparing salts:

  • Acid + metal: H₂SO₄ + Zn → ZnSO₄ + H₂↑ (hydrogen gas produced)
  • Acid + base (neutralisation): carefully mix until neutral
  • Acid + carbonate: HCl + CaCO₃ → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂↑
  • Precipitation: mix two soluble salts to form insoluble precipitate

  • Naming salts: HCl makes chlorides, H₂SO₄ makes sulphates, HNO₃ makes nitrates.

    Key Points to Remember

    • 1pH below 7 = acid; above 7 = alkali
    • 2Neutralisation: acid + base → salt + water
    • 3HCl → chlorides; H₂SO₄ → sulphates; HNO₃ → nitrates
    • 4Acid + carbonate → salt + water + CO₂

    Pakistan Example

    Antacids in Pakistani Pharmacies — Chemistry of Indigestion

    Millions of Pakistanis take Digene or ENO for acidity (stomach has excess HCl, pH ~2). Antacids contain Mg(OH)₂ or CaCO₃ — bases that neutralise acid. MgCO₃ + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂. The fizzing you see is CO₂ gas. Lemon juice (citric acid) on daal is also an acid-base reaction — pure AKU-EB exam content.

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